Question: Adding M3 to HomeKit

Apple Home Connect
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Hi all,

I have an Aqara M3 hub with a bunch of thread P2 motion and door sensors.

Some of them where added to HomeKit and then added to Aqara Home from the Apple Home App.

Others, more recently, where added to Aqara Home and from there, to Apple home.

All of this was done without adding the M3 to HomeKit by HomeKit, only over matter. (So no Security Alarm function in HomeKit).

If I add it now, will it duplicate any sensors in HomeKit?

Many thanks in advance for the help.
Regards,

1 Like
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@miguel_osorio_gomes Great question, and thanks for sharing the details of your setup!

When you add the [Aqara M3 hub](https://forum.aqara.com/s?product=aqara-smart-[hub](https://forum.aqara.com/s?product=aqara-smart-hub-m2)-[m3](https://forum.aqara.com/s?product=aqara-smart-hub-m3)) to HomeKit using the HomeKit QR code (as opposed to just Matter), the hub will appear in Apple Home as a security device, and it will also enable the security alarm function in HomeKit. However, if you’ve previously added the M3 via Matter only, and now decide to add it via HomeKit as well, there is a key point to keep in mind: devices (especially Zigbee devices) connected to the hub may show up twice in HomeKit.

This duplication happens because adding the hub with both the HomeKit and Matter methods essentially registers the devices in both ecosystems separately. As a result, all Zigbee devices connected to the hub will appear twice in HomeKit, whereas Matter devices (such as your Thread-based P2 sensors) generally need to be added to each platform individually and should not be duplicated in the same way.

So, summarizing for your scenario:

  • If your sensors are Zigbee and connected to the M3, and you add the M3 to HomeKit after already connecting via Matter, the Zigbee devices will appear twice in HomeKit.
  • Matter (Thread) devices typically won’t duplicate, as they are added to each platform individually.

If you’d like to avoid duplicates, it’s best to stick with just one integration method per device where possible. If you encounter duplicates or have suggestions for improvement, feel free to share your experience here or submit feedback through manual customer service channels. Always happy to see more smart home enthusiasts joining the discussion!

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Hi @miguel_osorio_gomes, I think you’re very likely to get duplicates.
If you want to link the Aqara hub to homekit, what I suggest is:

  1. work out exactly what devices you have in both apps
  2. remove those from Apple Home, but first take screenshots of any automations and settings you have set up
  3. link your hub to homekit
  4. re-setup any automations/settings that were deleted

I hope that helps :slight_smile:

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Hi all, thanks for your comments!

So, considering that I have only thread devices on the M3 and no zigbee, I can connect it via HomeKit in addition to Matter (already done) and no duplicates should appear.

Other question: should I disconnect the M3 from the Apple Home via matter first and add it again only over HomeKit?

My concern and base for this thread is that my setup uses the Aqara M3 as an thread network extender and I already have all the sensors placed and I’m afraid that if they need to be re-added they might be away from the Atv (some) and others away from the M3.

Your thoughts ?